PLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION MITTAL PULKIT 10042024 WEDNESDAY

1. PLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION
PULKIT MITTAL
IM-564

2. Definition of Placental Dysfunction

3. - Placental dysfunction refers to any condition where the placenta is
unable to perform its functions adequately, leading to potential risks
for both the mother and the fetus.
Importance of Recognizing and Managing It
- Early recognition and management of placental dysfunction are
crucial for ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
- Failure to address placental dysfunction promptly can result in
complications such as fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, and
even fetal demise.
- Effective management strategies can help mitigate risks and
improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

4. Anatomy of the Placenta

5. Overview of the Placenta's Structure and Function
- The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy and serves as
the interface between the mother and the fetus.
- It is composed of maternal and fetal tissues, including the chorionic villi
and the maternal decidua.
- Blood vessels within the placenta allow for the exchange of nutrients,
oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the fetus.
Importance of the Placenta in Fetal Development
- The placenta plays a crucial role in providing oxygen and nutrients to
the developing fetus.
- It also serves as a barrier, protecting the fetus from harmful substances
and infections in the mother's bloodstream.
- Additionally, the placenta produces hormones that are essential for
maintaining pregnancy and preparing the mother's body for childbirth.

6. Causes of Placental Dysfunction

7. Maternal Factors
- Hypertension: Conditions such as chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension can
impair placental function by reducing blood flow to the placenta.
- Diabetes: Maternal diabetes, particularly uncontrolled gestational diabetes, can lead to
placental dysfunction due to abnormal glucose metabolism and vascular complications.
Placental Factors
- Placental Abruption: The premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall can
disrupt blood flow, leading to fetal hypoxia and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Placenta Previa: When the placenta implants low in the uterus, it can partially or completely
cover the cervix, increasing the risk of bleeding and placental dysfunction.
Fetal Factors
- Chromosomal Abnormalities: Genetic conditions such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and
other chromosomal abnormalities can affect placental development and function, leading to
placental dysfunction and associated complications.

8. **Slide 4: Clinical Signs and Symptoms**
.

9. Maternal Symptoms
- Vaginal Bleeding: Sudden or persistent vaginal bleeding can indicate placental
abruption or placenta previa, both of which are forms of placental dysfunction.
- Abdominal Pain: Sharp or persistent abdominal pain, particularly if accompanied
by uterine contractions, may signal placental abruption or other placental
complications.
Fetal Symptoms
- Decreased Fetal Movement: A noticeable reduction in fetal movement or kicks
could indicate fetal distress, possibly due to placental insufficiency or other
complications.
- Abnormal Fetal Heart Rate: Variations in the fetal heart rate, such as tachycardia
(fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate), may suggest fetal distress
associated with placental dysfunction.

10. Diagnostic Tests
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging can help visualize the
placenta's location, size, and integrity, providing valuable
information about placental health and any potential
abnormalities.
- Fetal Monitoring: Continuous fetal monitoring, including
electronic fetal heart rate monitoring, helps assess fetal
well-being and detect signs of distress that may be
indicative of placental dysfunction or other complications.

11. Complications of Placental Dysfunction

12. Maternal Complications
- Hemorrhage: Placental dysfunction can lead to significant vaginal bleeding,
putting the mother at risk of hemorrhage, which may require urgent medical
intervention.
- Pre-eclampsia: Placental dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of
developing pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high
blood pressure and organ damage, which can endanger both the mother and the
baby.
Fetal Complications
- Growth Restriction: Inadequate placental function can restrict the fetus's access to
nutrients and oxygen, resulting in fetal growth restriction (FGR) or intrauterine
growth restriction (IUGR), leading to low birth weight and other complications.
- Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen supply to the fetus due to placental dysfunction can
result in fetal hypoxia, potentially leading to developmental delays, brain damage,
or stillbirth.

13. Long-term Effects on Both Mother and Baby
- Placental dysfunction and its associated complications can have
lasting effects on the mother's health, including an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
- For the baby, the consequences of placental dysfunction may extend
into childhood and beyond, affecting growth, development, and
overall health outcomes. Long-term neurological and cognitive
impairments are also possible in severe cases.

14. Risk Factors

15. Maternal Risk Factors
- Advanced Maternal Age: Women over the age of 35 are at increased
risk of placental dysfunction due to age-related changes in vascular
health and other factors.
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that can
damage placental blood vessels and impair placental function,
increasing the risk of complications.
Genetic Risk Factors
- Family History of Placental Disorders: A family history of placental
abnormalities or pregnancy complications may indicate a genetic
predisposition to placental dysfunction, increasing the likelihood of
similar issues in future pregnancies.

16. Diagnosis and Assessment

17. Importance of Early Detection
- Early detection of placental dysfunction is crucial
for implementing appropriate management
strategies and reducing the risk of complications for
both the mother and the baby.
Diagnostic Tools and Tests
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging allows for non-
invasive visualization of the placenta and
assessment of its size, location, and blood flow,
aiding in the diagnosis of placental abnormalities.

18. - Doppler Studies: Doppler ultrasound measures
blood flow velocity in the placental and fetal vessels,
providing valuable information about placental
function and fetal well-being.

19. Management and Treatment

20. Goals of Management
- The primary goals of managing placental dysfunction are to optimize maternal health
and fetal outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications.
Medical Interventions
- Bed Rest: In some cases, bed rest may be recommended to reduce stress on the
placenta and improve blood flow to the fetus.
- Medication: Medications may be prescribed to manage maternal conditions such as
hypertension or diabetes, which can contribute to placental dysfunction.
Surgical Interventions
- Cesarean Section: In cases of severe placental dysfunction or fetal distress, a cesarean
section may be performed to expedite delivery and minimize risks to the mother and
the baby.
- Placental Removal: In rare cases of placental abnormalities such as placenta accreta,
placental removal may be necessary to prevent life-threatening bleeding.

21. Prevention Strategies

22. Preconception Counseling
- Preconception counseling involves assessing maternal health risks and
providing guidance on optimizing health before conception to reduce the
risk of placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications.
Prenatal Care and Monitoring
- Regular prenatal care visits allow healthcare providers to monitor
maternal and fetal health, detect potential issues early, and implement
appropriate interventions to mitigate risks.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Encouraging pregnant women to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including
maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding
harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, can help reduce the risk of
placental dysfunction and improve pregnancy outcomes

23. THANK YOU